First impressions are that I am loving it, but be forewarned that it can be stressful from an ergonomic level. Remember Metroid Hunters? Same basic control scheme, so you move around with the analog, shoot with L, and aim with the stylus. Can wear on you a bit. Might be why they wanted to include that stand.

The stand makes perfect sense when you consider the control scheme plus a 3d effect that relies on having centered vision. I am only playing one level at a time as the stress on your hand will interfere with your movement.

Aside from that, the game is a fun mix of Panzer Dragoon Oorta and a bullet hell shmup with a decent weapon/power loot system. it's also one of the best looking games on the system and a great showcase of the 3d effect.

And now that I'm used to the controls, I've blown through six of the levels and replayed a bunch of the previous ones to get new weapons.

Also, wondering what the heck to use your Nintendo Coins on? There's a collectable system in here, similar to the statues in Smash Bros. Melee & Brawl, so you can use those coins to get idols, which is kind of cool. Eventually that unlocks an achievement, which gives you a power, etc. etc.

I picked this one up because it was on sale for $30 on release day and Iím glad I did because aside from one serious flaw (Iíll get to that) this could be a system seller. For those unfamiliar with the title it has almost nothing in common with its side scroller past.

The game is broken up into chapters with each chapter being composed of both a flight mission and a land mission. The flying sections of the game are pure rail shooters; enemies fly at you and you shoot them while dodging projectiles. These levels are really a joy to behold being fast, fun and quite pretty. The land based sections feel like range focused Zelda. You do have a melee attack but most enemies are easier dealt with from far away. Oddly enough, despite the protagonist having wings there doesnít appear to be any way to jump.

The gameplay is energetic and fun and the story is delightfully cheesy and completely self-aware. An interesting design decision that I love is the fact that the game features fully recorded audio and the characters NEVER stop talking. The protagonist carries out conversations with his patron god or AI sidekicks you pick up as you travel and either fill in backstory or comment on things you encounter.The game also features TONS of collectible items and equipment. After the 2nd level you pick up about 5 different types of weapons and it looks like down the line you can upgrade them directly or even combine multiple weapons into super weapons.

Graphically the game is also excellent and looks on par with the best looking games on the Wii or even a little better. In the flying sections the 3D is also quite good but it will likely to make you sick in the land based sections.All this sounds good right? WellÖone problem. The controls, oh god the controls! First off some personal bias. I hate the stylus and any sort of motion/touch controls in general. Unless the game uses touch controls exclusively, such as Professor Layton, I donít want them included at all! The default control scheme for Kid Icarus fails here by requiring that you hold the 3DS with your left hand, use your left thumb for the joystick with your pointer for the trigger button while targeting enemies with the stylus in your right hand. ARGHJSAKJHDSFJKSDFJK.

Now to the games credit that is just one of many control schemes that are available to you. Most of the controls can be remapped and after fiddling with things a bit I found a solution that while not ideal is quite functional and makes it so I donít have to use the stylus at all. Basically I changed it so that the buttons on the right control the camera like a second joystick and it works pretty well.

So my final thoughts:If they ever end up bundling the game with the Circle Pad Pro or add a second joystick with a remodeled 3DS this is a must own. Otherwise I would say your enjoyment will depend entirely on if you can look past the awkward controls.

The game has a "Works With Circle Pad Pro" logo on the box, but the only functionality is for lefties.

As Lordnine mentioned, there is an option to use the buttons in place of the stylus. Why the hell did they not allow the CPP to be used in the same way? This game would be great and comfortable to play!

The game has a "Works With Circle Pad Pro" logo on the box, but the only functionality is for lefties.

As Lordnine mentioned, there is an option to use the buttons in place of the stylus. Why the hell did they not allow the CPP to be used in the same way? This game would be great and comfortable to play!

Seriously? I just assumed it would play perfectly with the Circle Pad Pro. Does it only let you use it for movement instead of aiming? If so that is a shameful missed opportunity.